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Creator of Science Prof Online
Chief Executive Nerd
Science Prof Online
Online Education Resources, LLC
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Construction of
Medical Terms
Medical Word Elements
Medical terms are built by combining and connecting word parts called elements. Word
elements include Prefixes, Word Roots, Combining Vowels and Suffixes.
• 
Word Root (WR): The core of a word. This element provides the term's central meaning. Medical
terms may have more than one WR. Examples: pod = foot; hyster = uterus; febr = fever
• 
Combining Vowel (CV): Word Roots sometimes need a Combining Vowel to join them to other word
elements. The vowel “o” is most commonly used. Vowels “a, e, i, u and y” are also used, but less
often. Examples: pod / o ; hyster / o ; febr / I
• 
Combining Form (CF): A Word Root and its Combining Vowel together are called a Combining Form.
Examples: podo; hystero; febri
• 
Prefix (P): Only used at beginning of word. Examples: anti- = against; intra- = within; brady- = slow
• 
Suffix (S): Only used at end of the term, to complete the word. The suffix indicates whether the
word is a noun or an adjective. The following suffix elements make the term a noun: a, e, ia, is, on,
um, us, y. These suffix elements make the term an adjective: ac, ic, al, ar, eal, eous, ous. A suffix
ending means pertaining to. Examples: hysterectomy, (noun); thoracic (adjective).
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Construction of
Medical Terms
Rules for Constructing Medical Terms
Element Order: The first part in a medical term's definition is usually the last element in the medical
term. The last element of the medical term is usually the first part of the definition. Example:
psychologist = one who (ist), studys (log), mind (psych)
Combining Elements: In the case of a medical term with multiple Word Roots, when adding another
WR, Combining Vowel from the previous WR is usually retained.
Examples: gastr/ o /enter / itis ; leuk / o / cyt / o /penia
Prefix: A Prefix is usually not modified when added to a WR.
Suffix: A Suffix that begins with a consonant is usually preceded by a Combining Vowel. A Suffix that
begins with a vowel is usually added directly to the Word Root. Examples: carcin / o / cyte ; crypt /
orchid
Analyzing Medical Terms
Slash Marks: Insert between each element of the term.
Identify the Elements: Label each element as a WR, CV, CF, P and S.
Examples: cardi (WR) / o (CV) / log (WR) / ist (S) ; hypo (P) / gloss (WR) / al (s)
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Medical Procedures
Medical Terminology Flashcards
Print 4 slides per page and you will be able to cut and fold
the printout to easily make flashcards.
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Medical Procedures: Card 1 - Front
tom / o
WR
CV
____________
CF
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Medical Procedures: Card 1 - Back
to cut, section or layer
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Medical Procedures: Card 2 - Front
- assay
Suffix
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Medical Procedures: Card 2 - Back
examine, analyze, test, measure
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Medical Procedures: Card 3 - Front
- plasty
Suffix
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Medical Procedures: Card 3 - Back
surgical repair
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Medical Procedures: Card 4 - Front
- pexy
Suffix
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Medical Procedures: Card 4 - Back
surgical fixation
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Medical Procedures: Card 5 - Front
- rrhaphy
Suffix
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Medical Procedures: Card 5 - Back
surgical suturing
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Medical Procedures: Card 6 - Front
1.  - gram
2.  -graph
Suffix
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Medical Procedures: Card 6 - Back
1.  record
2.  instrument to record
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Medical Procedures: Card 7 - Front
- meter
Suffix
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Medical Procedures: Card 7 - Back
instrument to measure
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Medical Procedures: Card 8 - Front
1. - otomy
2. - ostomy
Suffix
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Medical Procedures: Card 8 - Back
1. temporary opening, incision
2. permanent opening
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Medical Procedures: Card 9 - Front
- centesis
Suffix
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Medical Procedures: Card 9 - Back
surgical puncture
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Medical Procedures: Card 10 - Front
- ectomy
Suffix
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Medical Procedures: Card 10 - Back
excision, removal
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Medical Procedures: Card 11 - Front
1.  -scope
2. - scopy
Suffix
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Medical Procedures: Card 11 - Back
1.  instrument to examine
2. process of examination
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Medical Procedures: Card 12 - Front
ablation
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Medical Procedures: Card 12 - Back
surgical removal of body tissue
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Medical Procedures: Card 13 - Front
- therapy
Suffix
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Medical Procedures: Card 13 - Back
treatment
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Medical Procedures: Card 14 - Front
- pheresis
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Medical Procedures: Card 14 - Back
process of removing a specific
component from blood temporarily
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